Beyond the Bottle: The Truth About Cooking Oils

Everyone knows the foods to eat that improve health, but how we cook the food can be just as 

important. With so many oils and butter products claiming to be the best, it can be difficult to know which ones to use and which ones to avoid.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is a popular oil, and many physicians claim that it can lower the risk of heart disease. The oil is low in saturated fat, high in monounsaturated fat, and offers the best fatty acid composition when compared to other oils.

You can use canola oil for sautéing, as a marinade, and even in low-temperature stir-frying. It has a bland flavor, which makes it a great oil for foods that contain many spices. Unlike other oils, this one won't interfere with the taste of your meal.   

Olive Oil

Olive oil offers a very distinct flavor with plenty of heart-healthy ingredients. The oil is rich in monounsaturated fat, helps lower cholesterol levels, and reduces the risk of cancer. It's also rich in antioxidants and has a very long storage life.   

While it can be used in cooking, it's healthiest when uncooked, such as with a salad or dipping sauce. When you use it for cooking, you should heat it on low to medium temperatures, making sure to avoid high heat.

Butter

Butter is a food that has been around for many years. It tastes good and offers sources of Vitamin A and other fat-soluble vitamins such as E, K, and even D. Butter is also made from natural ingredients and not chemically or artificially processed.

You can use butter for cooking, baking, or as a spread. You can also pair it with creamy sauces, marinades, baked dishes, or even bread.   

Margarine

Margarine was first introduced as an alternative to high-fat butter. However, when it was first created, it was loaded with trans fat, a substance that we now know raises bad cholesterol.   

As a cooking oil, margarine tastes good, is lower in fat than most oils and butter, and is quite easy to spread. It's available in a variety of different products and is a good source of vitamin E.   

When it comes to cooking with oils, there are several at your disposal. There are many more than what is mentioned here, although the ones above are the most popular. Eating healthy involves cooking healthy food – which is where your cooking oil really takes center stage.